12 Drinks Of Christmas: Raising A Glass To The Season

On the first day of Christmas, my true love said to me, ``How the heck are we going to cram it all in?''

Good question. Here it is, well into December, and we're woefully unprepared for the holidays and all the social obligations that come with the season. What we need, obviously, is some holiday spirit. Or spirits.

So we mixed up a batch of Manhattans. Ah, now we feel better. For if there is a truism about Christmas, it is this: A good, stiff drink never hurts. In fact, it's one of the very traditions we look forward to this time of year: the hot toddies, champagne sparklers, fruity punches and festive cocktails -- all valid expressions of the holidays.

Join us, as we make our way through the Christmas season with a little help from our friends.

1st day

Santa Claus Metropolitan

We weren't kidding about getting into the spirit of things. So bring us something defining. Something that sets the mood for the holidays. We want to ho, ho, ho.

2nd day

Vanilla Sky< Yes, we RSVP'd for the party at the Joneses. We have to keep up. They're always pouring some trendy new hooch. This year we're going to surprise them with something fabulously new and very L.A.

3rd day

Champagne Punch

It's the day after our first official Christmas party, and wouldn't you know, we have a brunch to attend. We need a midday drink that's strong enough to give us a lift yet tame enough to allow for afternoon chores.

4th day

Honey Eggnog

Here they come a-caroling. Nice kids. We want to serve these cute carolers something as sweet as their voices.

5th day

Wassail

Why did our boss schedule the office party for a Wednesday night? Maybe to avoid the antics that occurred last year on a Friday. I'm not wearing the lampshade this year. I'll stick to the punch.

6th day

Cran-apple Martini

OK, I lied about the lampshade. That was actually a fun party. Let's do it again. Give me a drink that will send me as high as Rudolph flies.

7th day

Honey Hot Chocolate

Today is kids day. We'll bake our cookies together and wreck the kitchen. Afterward we'll send out for pizza, make a fire and toast some marshmallows.

8th day

Pekaba Hot Chai

The season's first major snowfall (and wouldn't you know, our tires are bald)! To mark the occasion, we whip up a special drink and invite the neighbors over for a hot mug. Let it snow!

9th day

Glasnost

Remind me again never to go to the mall this time of year. Where did all those people come from? Who are they??!! I need a soothing tonic. My nerves are shattered.

10th day

Rainbow Holiday Punch

Another party. This time at our house. We're not overdoing it this year, but we still want to make merry. Lots of fun finger foods to go along with our new recipe for a special punch.

11th day

Christmas

Rum Punch

Christmas always smells like spices (and for some reason wet dog): clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, matted fur. A rum punch is in order after vacuuming the living room.

12th day

Millennium Cocktail

On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love said to me, ``Can you believe we made it through another season?'' 'Tis true. We fulfilled all our social obligations and actually had a good time. Tonight we're staying in and thinking about the new year. We'll toast to 2002 and call it a silent night. Well, maybe ...

1. SANTA CLAUS METROPOLITAN

* 2 ounces spice rum

* 1 ounce cranberry juice

* 1/4 ounce orange curacao

* Dash of allspice

Shake all ingredients with ice, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel. Serves 1.

2. VANILLA SKY

* 3/4 ounce gold rum

* 3/4 ounce Tuaca liqueur

* 2 ounces fresh orange juice

* 3 ounces ginger ale

Combine all ingredients in a highball glass filled with ice, and stir. Garnish with a slice of orange. Serves 1.